Peeking into People's Places

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Ever daydreamed about owning your favourite shop -- the one you visit all the time? For Calico & Ivy storekeeper Debbie Ogilby, this became her reality.

Debbie is the owner of Calico & Ivy, an iconic Mosman Park shop that is a little heaven for anyone who loves beautiful textiles, sewing, knitting or crocheting. (I know lots of you are familiar with this place already!) Since it was founded in 1982, it has gathered a very devoted following, with some of its customers coming in to pick up sewing supplies and have a chat for 30 years. Debbie was amongst those customers.

Debbie was living in the Hills and whenever she came to Perth she would try to pop into the shop, then situated in another venue and called The Calico, with her eldest daughter (now 30, then an infant) in tow. “I used to take my daughter there and I always chatted to Jo Brazier, who owned the shop,” says Debbie. “I’d been visiting for years when Jo decided to put it up for sale… and she thought of me when she was selling it. I remember her saying, ‘YOU’D be the girl for it! You have to buy it!’ So I bought it.”

Debbie has been a sewing obsessee for a long time (her mother interned under a French seamstress, and taught Debbie all her skills – and passed on her passion for all things textiles). Two years ago Debbie was joined by store manager Tash Jones, who I met doing a house review.

Calico & Ivy stocks not only fabrics, yarns and things for crafters, but gifts too, things like rugs and clothes, and Debbie and Tash also offer sewing and craft workshops. It’s a real little neighborhood hub. When Heather and I walked in to do our photo shoot, we both turned to each other and said the exact same thing… it’s such a pity Spotlight isn’t like this shop! It has character and warmth.

It’s a squally day and raining on and off when Heather and I visit, but inside the shop it’s pleasant and warm. It soon becomes apparent that popping into Calico & Ivy to pick up some sewing supplies is a regular regime for many of the customers who trickle in and have a chat with Debbie and Tash.

It’s nice to come to this shop and see how many smiling customers come in, so happy to be feeding their creative hobby.

Check out the full story here - and enter our competition to win a $50 Calico & Ivy gift voucher!

I remember being in school and being scoffed at a bit, for being that kid who was into arts and crafts and making things. I didn’t really care (let’s be honest -- I knew even as a kid that I was always too much of an obvious dork to even pretend to be anything otherwise) but there was a time when admitting you were into ‘crafts’ or making things automatically put you in the ‘nerd’ basket. Kids acted like people were meant to be too busy or cool to make things by hand (doing what instead exactly, I’m not sure (important kids’ stuff. Like playing SuperNintendo. Mind you I did that too). But these days, as our lives are busier and hectic and increasingly based around screens and technology and micro-managing our every minute, I think you can really see how we’ve returned to our love of making things with our hands again, and going back to simple, uncomplicated pleasures and past-times.

Tash says they have been delighted to see the huge swing towards crafts being embraced again. “I think people love handcrafts because we’re such a disposable society now, and making things brings us back to our basics, our groundroots -- to cherish the handmade, to repair things,” she says. “There’s something so nice and from the heart about getting a handmade gift. As well as that, crafting feels like you’re being productive… in a really good way, a happy way.”

Debbie says they get a broad demographic of people, from mothers to elderly ladies, to girls from school groups, buying for projects.“And we get boys,” chips in Tash.“Boys?” I say, because the shop is kind of, well, pink and floral.“Yes, we get two graduate boys from Christchurch,” says Debbie. “Seb and Dan. They made a bow tie for a Year 12 ball, and everyone loved it. So many people wanted one afterward they started their own business!” (You can check it out at Freelance Bowties)

They also get young ‘uns. “There are actually lots of little kids sewing and doing crochet,” says Tash. “Last year was a BIG resurgence in crochet for all ages.” They credit the iconic, ever-cool Frankie magazine as part of the crochet love. “We look at some people who come in and say, she’s a real Frankie girl,” says Tash. Crochet hooks aren’t just for crocheters, however. “The other day we had a lady come in looking for the tiniest crochet hooks for her husband’s dreadlocks,” says Debbie.

As well as crochet supplies, their textiles are always in-demand - particularly their Japanese designer fabrics, and all of their iconic Liberty prints. “The Liberty has a massive following, especially with patchwork collectors,” says Tash.

There’s such a nice pleasant vibe here, like going to the house of an old friend who always has chocolate biscuits. At the back of the shop, there is a cute little kitchen and a large table with Bentwood chairs where workshops are held. So long as you have an understanding of the basic skills, there are classes to suit. “We cater for all different levels, with things like crochet for beginners, beginners’ patchwork,” says Tash. “People come in and leave pretty happy.” When we visit, a group of ladies are chatting over coffee while sewing patchwork quilts and knitting, deft fingers flying. “We have really loyal customers who’ve been coming to the store for 30 years,” says Debbie. “And then we get people who come in and say, “I didn’t even know you existed.” It appears that Tash is the driver behind their media and social media... and the whipcracker in this working relationship. “I just faff along,” admits Debbie, “and Tash screams, ‘You have to put yourself out there more’.” Maya x

WIN! A $50 Calico & Ivy Gift Voucher

Calico & Ivy are celebrating our shared love of the handmade and are kindly offering a lucky House Nerd reader a $50 gift voucher to spend at their leisure. Rope in a friend, get a great coffee from down the road and have a leisurely browse through Calico & Ivy with a gift voucher all yours to spend!

Maybe it’s a craft you love to do in your spare time - but you don’t necessarily have to dabble in this craft yourself. For example, I love looking at the work of clever carpenters, like A Good Looking Man and Ariele Alasko, and Mr Nerd will cheerfully tell you I just need to merely look at a hammer to hit myself on the thumb with it.

I grew up wearing dresses sewn by my mum and my older sister so I just can't go past a hand made dress. I may be slightly obsessed with dresses made from vintage fabrics as I have a collection of 20 plus. I wear them all year round by adding tights, boots & cardigans in winter. I LOVE CALICO & IVY !!!

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Lady Susan - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8:14AM

I love to sew, a skill I am grateful my Gran taught me as it seems to be a dying art. Last week I was sewing the table runners for my wedding reception on the sewing machine that my Gran gave me for my 12th Birthday (I'm now 42!). Memories of my Gran flooded back and I felt that a little piece of her would be with me on my wedding day, even though she passed 20 years ago.

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Megan Scerri - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8:41AM

Following Calico & Ivy on Facebook & Instagram too <3

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Alena - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:18AM

Ah! Schmattas and knitting yarn always get me excited! I can't be let loose in such stores because I always buy something (and then it becomes one of those unfinished projects). I learned to sew in a very young age and it was a huge passion of mine. But, I cannot crochet if my life depended on it.
I love stores with so much character.
Ear scritches to my beloved.

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Ninka Samson - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 5:13PM

I've been going to Calico & Ivy since they were in Napoleon St and I was in school buying supplies for fabric covered coat hangers and other nerdy craft projects! I love heading there now for Liberty lawn for quilts for my little girls :) One of my favourite stores!

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Sammy Bell - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 6:43PM

pretty fabrics ... and vintage fabric ... and well, just fabric in general!
sewing quilts for new babies and for my girls' big girl beds and for general snuggling an picnicking is something I love!
and I'm following calico and ivy on Instagram and Facebook too :)

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Jacinta - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8:01PM

Liked on facey, liked on insty and LOVE in person. As for my favourite handicrafts, I am a fellow nerd that has been teased for my passions. I started sewing when I was six and it is still my go to. I try lots of other things but my fabric stash is testament to my love of sewing.

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Jenny @ ohjoh - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8:27PM

Please don't tell my husband how much fabric is really hidden in our house! There is a bit of quilting, clothes sewing and knitting happening here - but only a little crochet as it makes my head hurt.
We moved to Perth last year from Melbourne and this shop is just what I need!!!
I'm sure I can squeeze in a bit more fabric or maybe some wool or maybe some books or maybe some knitting needles or crochet hooks or maybe …..
Thanks for the great post and all of the links.
(liking on fb too).

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Simon and Natasha Jones - Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8:37PM

As Tash love to repair things , any chance she could fix that hole in my shirt pocket ?? as my coins fall thru it!!!! love you tash. ( SG)

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Sarah - Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 1:22AM

Oh I could look at Heathers photos all day they are so beautiful and compliment your words so well. What a talented pair you are!

Awww thank you Sarah! I could look at Heather's photos all day too (and frequently do... she has the gift!)

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Niina - Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 10:06AM

Oh gosh I love everything handmade it's hard to pinpoint which one I gravitate more towards! At the moment ceramics is my big love. I love it especially when the piece has been hand moulded and you can see little indents of fingers that have lovingly created it.
Following on instagram and liked on facebook :)

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Kat - Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 10:11AM

I looove pottery + ceramics! We used to take pottery classes every week growing up, and I've been meaning to find my own wheel and try throwing again. I just love functional craft that has a purpose, and seeing the kind of care and attention that goes into a well-made piece is really special. Liking on Facebook + instagram as well!

Love love love sewing garments. The positive is that I get into flow and can sew all day and night. the negative is that when shopping I struggle to find garments to buy as I keep think in "I can make that"...but then don't, and end up with nothing to wear. Must get that sewing room set up - I'm getting desperate!
...and I must visit this gorgeous shop! - She who dies with the most fabric wins ;)

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Nicolene - Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 10:30PM

I started knitting, crochet and quilting after moving to Perth. I love going to Calico and Ivy for inspiration.

I'm a fabricophile from way back, so interesting and unusual textiles and prints grab my attention - the craftsmanship in making this raw material that a multitude of others can then be inspired by and create with is awe-some! Personally I love making garments, esp. frocks (just like my mum did) and have very fond memories of my dad wood-turning and the smell of wood glue in his shed...

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Kirsten - Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 6:01PM

I do lots of crafts ;-) sewing, jewellery, crochet.... glad I saw a post about Calico&Ivy from friend on facebook - I have not been to shop before so I will definitely come visiting soon (facebook and instagram liked ;-)

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Kim Latham - Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 8:17PM

Love it, must pop in agin again, it's been a while.

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Steph - Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 5:37AM

I go a bit stupid over wool. Luckily, I recently taught myself how to crochet, so now it's completely justified. I often spend a wild Friday night in crocheting now. How times have changed! Doily anyone??

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Chelsea - Friday, June 6, 2014 at 11:11AM

I've been popping in to Calico & Ivy for years and never fail to feel uplifted, inspired and heartwarmed after a visit there. Your photos capture the so beautifully! They've been gorgeous, crafty, colourful, committed and creative since well before it was hipster to be so. There's also a strong sense of community, especially female community, in that place which is both fun and nurturing. Plus, they stock gorgeous fabric, trim, wool and treasure that you just don't find elsewhere in Perth... And I'd love some more!

I love hand made and poured scented candles, particularly those made locally. For me, a beautiful good quality scented candle is an affordable everyday luxury. When burning (and even when not!) their scent fills the house and the glow from the flame is so lovely and homely.
Followed on all fronts. ;-)

Omg Maya thankyou for doing a post on calico and Ivy the photos of the shop are Devine! I have always wanted to go and check it out. So nice to hear about small independent shops where the staff actually know and care about what they are selling. I am an obsessive sewer and fabric horder and love handmade clothing. My floor is forever covered in bits of thread that end up everywhere not limited to the smallest ones nappy ???? haha. I also have a great appreciation for anything crocheted or knitted although my attempts at this craft have failed pretty epically.
Thanks for another awesome give away lovely! Off to follow calico and ivy on insta and FB now x

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Carmen - Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 9:34AM

My Godmother-in-law makes the most amazing quilts for my small boys' rooms, which we will always treasure, and she and I have gone on a somewhat insane Christmas craft binge for the past few years. My attempts are limited to sewing smaller projects - baby items, kids' costumes, doll/teddy clothes - thanks to my little time-leeches. The little projects bring back wonderful memories of sewing with my mum and grandma when I was a small time-leech too!